You may not know, but DimeStories got their start as part of San Diego Writers, Ink. (SDWI) Back then, we were called First Fridays, because, well, the open mic for prose (the only one in San Diego thanks to Amy Wallen) took place on First Fridays. Now DimeStories, SDWI is still a huge supporter of what we’re doing so I’m calling on DimeStoriers everywhere to give back at least a little.
This is important to me personally as well. The very first writing workshop I ever took in my whole life was at the predecessor to SDWI (The Writing Center ?). Ambitiously I attended a day-long writing marathon taught by Judy Reeves. I wasn’t yet calling myself a writer, but I was playing with words and having fun… little did I know that that would be my gateway drug to an MFA in creative writing.
SDWI is an integral part of the literary landscape of San Diego and they are writing the next chapter of their own story with an upcoming move to Liberty Station. This is a big step and one long in the works… and also important to me personally–my granddad’s first duty station was the Naval Training Center, which is now Liberty Station. In fact, I bought a commemorative brick in his honor to support the mission of this creative center for San Diego.
ANYWAY, a great way for you to support SDWI would be to sign up for Blazing Laptops, the 9-hour Write-A-Thon. It’s a day full of writing prompts, camaraderie, and a way to raise money for a good cause.
Show these folks that what they do matters, that writing matters.
–Jennifer Simpson, Director, DimeStories International
The Writing Center, Judy Reeves, Amy Wallen, San Diego Writers Ink, First Fridays and DimeStories have all been an important part of my development as a writer. Thank you to you all. I’ll be signing up to support at least one of you!!
Jenn, this is a beautiful tribute to SDWI, DimeStories and all the writers over the years who have created, written, edited, rewritten, spoken their work outloud, published, didn’t publish (yet) and who keep after it, word by single word!
And yes, it was The Writing Center and we still do those Marathons. June 9th will be a great one. Thanks so much for promoting Blazing Laptops & San Diego Writers, Ink. Yer the best!
This is pretty damn cool. Love all the connections, the beginnings and the moving-forwards…that’s what three-minutes will add up to. San Diego Writers, Ink is where it all began, and they continue to be a huge supporter.